The Parks Issue of Landscape Architect and Specifier News saw many firms submit their projects for feature consideration. The Water Tower Park is one of several great projects we are excited to showcase on LandscapeArchitect.com.

 
Water Tower Park in Michigan City, Indiana, has long been a cherished neighborhood greenspace, though years of neglect left it outdated and underused. Cracked tennis courts, aging play structures, and limited accessibility disconnected the park from its community. Its recent redesign has redefined what a small public park can be - transforming it into a vibrant, welcoming hub shaped by equity, creativity, and collaboration.

At the heart of the redesign lies an inclusive playground. Using universal design principles and guided by community input, an existing play environment was relocated to a more centralized, visible area and retrofitted to include ramps and tactile panels. Dual-person slides, a cozy cocoon, a zipline, and wheelchair-accessible features such as a glider and merry-go-round invite people of all abilities to play side by side, nurturing shared experiences rather than separation.

Working within a modest budget, the team reimagined the deteriorated tennis courts as the foundation for new poured-in-place surfacing, reducing waste and preserving the park's history. Remaining court areas now host blacktop games and community murals. Expanded ADA-compliant pathways, and a repositioned basketball court enhance safety and access, while mature trees and new plantings enhance comfort and ecological resilience.

To see more Park projects, go to: https://landscapearchitect.com/landscape-articles/call-for-editorial-parks#article1